“Pfc. Sanchez gave his life so that others may live. It is incredibly humbling to serve in the presence of such men.”— Eric Kurilla, lieutenant colonel

Sanchez died two days before his first wedding anniversary during a two-stage attack by insurgents. Although he could have ducked for cover to avoid the shrapnel, he instead stood his ground and continued firing at the driver of the truck and was credited with saving lives. His mother died when he was 11 and he had helped care for an older brother who has Down syndrome.